Richard Cho, 2008-

I have a long standing interest in synaptic neurobiology as it applies to how the brain learns and remembers.  During my graduate training in Dr. Paul F. Worley’s laboratory at Johns Hopkins Medical Institute, I used biochemical and cell biological approaches in mammalian in vitro neuronal model systems to characterize postsynaptic mechanisms of synaptic plasticity.  In Dr. J. Troy Littleton’s laboratory, I will be studying the Drosophila neuromuscular junction using the genetic tools available to Drosophila coupled with in vivo electrophysiology and imaging to understand and define mechanisms of synaptic formation, function, and plasticity.  Currently, I am studying the role of complexin in its regulation of neurotransmitter release. 

Relevant Publications

1.   Cho RW, Park JM, Wolff SB, Xu D, Hopf C, Kim JA, Reddy RC, Petralia RS, Perin MS, Linden DJ, & Worley PF (2008) mGluR1/5-dependent long-term depression requires the regulated ectodomain cleavage of neuronal pentraxin NPR by TACE. Neuron 57(6):858-871.

2.   Chang MC*, Cho RW*, & Worley PF (2008) Glutamate Receptor Clusters: Narp, EphB2 Receptor, Stargazin. in Encyclopedia of Neuroscience, 3^rd ed Squire LR (Elsevier), pp 895-899.

3.   Sia GM, Beique JC, Rumbaugh G, Cho R, Worley PF, & Huganir RL (2007) Interaction of the N-terminal domain of the AMPA receptor GluR4 subunit with the neuronal pentraxin NP1 mediates GluR4 synaptic recruitment. Neuron 55(1):87-102.

4.   Bjartmar L, Huberman AD, Ullian EM, Renteria RC, Liu X, Xu W, Prezioso J, Susman MW, Stellwagen D, Stokes CC, Cho R, Worley P, Malenka RC, Ball S, Peachey NS, Copenhagen D, Chapman B, Nakamoto M, Barres BA, & Perin MS (2006) Neuronal pentraxins mediate synaptic refinement in the developing visual system. J Neurosci 26(23):6269-6281.

5.   Xu D, Hopf C, Reddy R, Cho RW, Guo L, Lanahan A, Petralia RS, Wenthold RJ, O'Brien RJ, & Worley P (2003) Narp and NP1 form heterocomplexes that function in developmental and activity-dependent synaptic plasticity. Neuron 39(3):513-528.